Performing in the clutch is what seperates a winning driver from the rest of the pack. Flexing muscle at the right time is something that true talents posess. Often luck plays a big role in winning versus losing, but being able to squeeze just enough strength out at the perfect opportunity is what separates winners from losers. Performing in the clutch doesn't necessarily mean winning, however; it's all about making the most from what you've got.

That's why Quarter Master, providers of winning clutches & driveline components to racers from Super Speedway to the Bullring, from IRL to Rally, from NASCAR to the "Weekend Warrior," is proud to honor a weekly "Clutch Performance of the Week" from the short track ranks of America. Each week, an esteemed panel of short track industry insiders will vote on which drivers came through in the clutch. The driver or team with the most votes will then be the "Clutch Performance of the Week." At the end of the 2009 season, the driver or team that received the most votes throughout the season will then be the "Clutch Performer of the Year" and will be awarded a clutch kit from Quarter Master, valued at $3,500 - just like the 2008 Quarter Master Clutch Performer of the Year winner Eddie MacDonald.

This week's "Quarter Master Clutch Performance of the Week" goes to ...

When everyone around him was wrecking, fighting or both, Jay Fogleman was coming through in the clutch and keeping his nose clean in the PASS South feature at Wake County Speedway (NC) on Friday night. He won the race and for that, we salute Jay Fogeleman as having this week's Speed51.com Quarter Master Clutch Performance of the Week.

Fogelman had some stiff competition this week as six different drivers received votes from our panel.

Coming in a close second was Chase Elliott, who won his first Pro Late Model race ever in the Lanier GAS show.

Elliott's Bill Elliott Driver Development team also received a vote for giving him a winning ride and placing teammate Casey Roderick into second place.

Doug Coby rounded out the podium finishers

for the Quarter Master honors after he entered his first career True Value Modified Racing Series event, and won it, on Saturday night at Waterford Speedbowl (CT).

Also recieving votes were...

James Buescher for coming out on top after a close battle for the victory in the Kentucky Speedway ARAC RE/MAX Series race.

Scott Payea, the ACT Vermont Furniture World Spring Green 100 winner. Payea drove a smart and patient race, staying behind and watching back Leighton and Randy Potter duke it out for over 80 laps. Payea who is racing for the championship didn't want to risk it. But with 20 to go, with better tires he saw an opportunity and went for the lead. Payea would lead less than 10 laps in the race.

Brennan Poole for winning his first career race and then coming back to finish 2nd in the second twin 35 Late Model races at Tri County Speedway.